S.A. crew explodes theories on Hindenburg

Updated 1:50 am, Sunday, March 10, 2013

When the hydrogen-filled German airship Hindenburg exploded and crashed in New Jersey on May 6, 1937, following a swift Atlantic crossing, images of the spectacular disaster were captured for eternity.

“It was the first major catastrophe people could see with their own eyes. It was filmed. It was photographed. None of previous things, the Titanic, the Galveston Flood, had been,” said Dan Grossman, 49, a Hindenburg expert.

“We watched 9/11 in real time, but in 1937, it was a new experience and it was very shocking. That's why it's taken hold and people are fascinated,” he said.

The crash killed 36 people, dented Nazi prestige and put a quick end to lighter-than-air commercial flight. It also left questions that have lingered for almost eight decades about what really brought the great ship to earth.

While both German and American commissions concluded shortly afterward that the cause was static electricity, other theories included an angry farmer taking potshots at the hovering craft, anti-Nazi sabotage and someone onboard smoking.

Photo: Matthew Blais

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A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, is moored before a test attempting to determine the cause of the famous 1937 explosion.

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, is moored before a test attempting to determine the cause of the

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the famous 1937 explosion.

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the famous 1937 explosion.

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the famous 1937 explosion.

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the famous 1937 explosion.

A model of the Hindenburg dirigible, seen in a 2012 photo taken by Southwest Research Institute's Director of Fire and Technology Matthew Blais, burns during a test attempting to determine the cause of the

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1937: The German airship the Hindenburg catches fire, killing 35 people. The event is caught on film, and the phrase, "Oh, the humanity!" cried by radio announcer Herbert Morrison becomes a pop culture staple.

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1937: The German airship the Hindenburg catches fire, killing 35 people. The event is caught on film, and the phrase, "Oh, the humanity!" cried by radio announcer Herbert Morrison becomes a pop

The German zeppelin Hindenburg floats over Manhattan Island in New York City on May 6, 1937.

The German zeppelin Hindenburg floats over Manhattan Island in New York City on May 6, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The German zeppelin Hindenburg flies over Manhattan on May 6, 1937. A few hours later, the ship burst into flames in an attempt to land at Lakehurst, N.J.

The German zeppelin Hindenburg flies over Manhattan on May 6, 1937. A few hours later, the ship burst into flames in an attempt to land at Lakehurst, N.J.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The German dirigible Hindenburg floats over New York City on the afternoon of May 6, 1937 as it heads for Lakehurst, N.J. to complete the 21st crossing from Germany to the United States.

The German dirigible Hindenburg floats over New York City on the afternoon of May 6, 1937 as it heads for Lakehurst, N.J. to complete the 21st crossing from Germany to the United States.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The Hindenburg airship, maneuvers to be moored at the mast on the Navy Field, Lakehurst, N.J., at the end of an Atlantic flight, May 6,1937.

The Hindenburg airship, maneuvers to be moored at the mast on the Navy Field, Lakehurst, N.J., at the end of an Atlantic flight, May 6,1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The German zeppelin Hindenburg bursts into flames as it noses toward the mooring post at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J. on May 6, 1937.

The German zeppelin Hindenburg bursts into flames as it noses toward the mooring post at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J. on May 6, 1937.

Photo: MURRAY BECKER, Associated Press File Photo

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The Hindenburg explodes as it approaches the mooring mast at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J., on May 6, 1937.

The Hindenburg explodes as it approaches the mooring mast at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J., on May 6, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The German dirigible Hindenburg crashes to earth, tail first, in flaming ruins after exploding on May 6, 1937, at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J.

The German dirigible Hindenburg crashes to earth, tail first, in flaming ruins after exploding on May 6, 1937, at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The German dirigible Hindenburg crashes to earth, tail first, in flaming ruins after exploding on May 6, 1937, at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J. The 1920s and 1930s were the golden age of dirigibles which crossed the Atlantic Ocean in about three days — faster than a ship. The Hindenburg was the largest airship ever built at 804 feet long and flew up to 85 miles per hour while held aloft by hydrogen, which was highly flammable. The disaster, which killed 36 people after a 60-hour transatlantic flight from Germany, ended regular passenger service by the lighter-than-air airships.

The German dirigible Hindenburg crashes to earth, tail first, in flaming ruins after exploding on May 6, 1937, at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J. The 1920s and 1930s were the golden age of dirigibles

The Hindenburg zeppelin hits the ground after an explosion in mid-air destroyed the hydrogen-inflated German airship over Lakehurst, N.J., on May 6, 1937. The crew was preparing to land at the U.S. Naval base station when the explosion occured. less

The Hindenburg zeppelin hits the ground after an explosion in mid-air destroyed the hydrogen-inflated German airship over Lakehurst, N.J., on May 6, 1937. The crew was preparing to land at the U.S. Naval base ... more

Photo: MURRAY BECKER, Associated Press File Photo

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The Hindenburg zeppelin burns after it exploded prior to landing on the U.S. Naval air station field in Lakehurst, N.J. on May 6, 1937.

The Hindenburg zeppelin burns after it exploded prior to landing on the U.S. Naval air station field in Lakehurst, N.J. on May 6, 1937.

Photo: MURRAY BECKER, Associated Press File Photo

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The blazing inferno that was the German airship Hindenburg is reduced to ruins as a survivor, lower right hand corner, runs to safety, May 6, 1937, after it exploded on mooring at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey. Rescuers, left and center, rush forward to pull other passenger and crew away from the fiery wreckage. less

The blazing inferno that was the German airship Hindenburg is reduced to ruins as a survivor, lower right hand corner, runs to safety, May 6, 1937, after it exploded on mooring at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in ... more

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Black smoke rises from the skeleton of the burning Hindenburg airship at Lakehurst, N.J., May 6, 1937.

Black smoke rises from the skeleton of the burning Hindenburg airship at Lakehurst, N.J., May 6, 1937.

Photo: MURRAY BECKER, Associated Press File Photo

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Clouds of smoke rise from the twisted metal frame of the German airship Hindenburg as rescue workers arrive to look for possible survivors, May 6, 1937, in Lakehurst, N.J.

Clouds of smoke rise from the twisted metal frame of the German airship Hindenburg as rescue workers arrive to look for possible survivors, May 6, 1937, in Lakehurst, N.J.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The Hindenburg zeppelin burns after it exploded during the docking procedure at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, N.J., on May 6, 1937.

The Hindenburg zeppelin burns after it exploded during the docking procedure at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, N.J., on May 6, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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An unidentified woman survivor is being led from the scene of the Hindenburg disaster at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J., May 6, 1937.

An unidentified woman survivor is being led from the scene of the Hindenburg disaster at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J., May 6, 1937.

Photo: MURRAY BECKER, Associated Press File Photo

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A victim of the Hindenburg disaster is taken away in a stretcher in the aftermath of the airship crash in Lakehurst, N.J., May 6, 1937.

A victim of the Hindenburg disaster is taken away in a stretcher in the aftermath of the airship crash in Lakehurst, N.J., May 6, 1937.

An unidentified survivor of the airship Hindenburg disaster, along with a nurse and unidentified emergency service workers are seen in an ambulance as the patient is transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J. to another area hospital, May 7, 1937. less

An unidentified survivor of the airship Hindenburg disaster, along with a nurse and unidentified emergency service workers are seen in an ambulance as the patient is transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in ... more

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Major Hans Hugo Witt of the German Luftwaffe, who was severely burned in the Hindenburg disaster, is seen as he is transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J. to another area hospital, May 7, 1937.

Major Hans Hugo Witt of the German Luftwaffe, who was severely burned in the Hindenburg disaster, is seen as he is transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J. to another area hospital, May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Adolf Fisher, a mechanic of the German airship Hindenburg, is transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J., to an ambulance going to another area hospital, May 7, 1937.

Adolf Fisher, a mechanic of the German airship Hindenburg, is transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J., to an ambulance going to another area hospital, May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Horribly burned when his ship went up in flames, Capt. Max Pruss (seen before the accident at right) of the ill-fated airship Hindenburg, is shown in an ambulance en route to a New York hospital, May 7, 1937.

Horribly burned when his ship went up in flames, Capt. Max Pruss (seen before the accident at right) of the ill-fated airship Hindenburg, is shown in an ambulance en route to a New York hospital, May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Ambulances line up to transfer hospitalized victims of the Hindenburg disaster to other area hospitals from Paul Kimball Hospital, Lakewood, N.J., May 7, 1937.

Ambulances line up to transfer hospitalized victims of the Hindenburg disaster to other area hospitals from Paul Kimball Hospital, Lakewood, N.J., May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Newsmen photograph an unidentified survivor of the German airship Hindenburg disaster as they are transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J. to other area hospitals, May 7, 1937.

Newsmen photograph an unidentified survivor of the German airship Hindenburg disaster as they are transferred from Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, N.J. to other area hospitals, May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Relatives and friends of persons listed as missing in the Hindenburg disaster check the bulletin board on which the names of survivors are being added in Lakehurst, N.J., May 7, 1937.

Relatives and friends of persons listed as missing in the Hindenburg disaster check the bulletin board on which the names of survivors are being added in Lakehurst, N.J., May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Aerial view of all that remains of the ill-fated airship Hindenburg showing the crowd and the mooring mast in rear at Lakehurst, N.J., on May 7, 1937.

Aerial view of all that remains of the ill-fated airship Hindenburg showing the crowd and the mooring mast in rear at Lakehurst, N.J., on May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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This is an aerial photo of the wreckage of the German Hindenburg airship at Lakehurst, N.J. on May 7, 1937.

This is an aerial photo of the wreckage of the German Hindenburg airship at Lakehurst, N.J. on May 7, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Two men inspect the twisted metal framework of the crashed dirigible Hindenburg at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J., May 1937.

Two men inspect the twisted metal framework of the crashed dirigible Hindenburg at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J., May 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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Members of the U.S. Navy Board of Inquiry inspect the wreckage of the German zeppelin Hindenburg on the field of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey, May 8, 1937.

Members of the U.S. Navy Board of Inquiry inspect the wreckage of the German zeppelin Hindenburg on the field of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey, May 8, 1937.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The remains of the wreckage of the German Zeppelin Hindenburg are removed from the U.S. Naval field in Lakehurst, N.J., on May 15, 1937. The airship exploded mid-air prior to landing May 6.

The remains of the wreckage of the German Zeppelin Hindenburg are removed from the U.S. Naval field in Lakehurst, N.J., on May 15, 1937. The airship exploded mid-air prior to landing May 6.

Photo: MURRAY BECKER, Associated Press File Photo

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S.A. crew explodes theories on Hindenburg

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Most historians and scientists have always subscribed to the static electricity theory, but no one ever had shown scientifically how it could have occurred on what was the Hindenburg's 63rd flight. Until now.

Last fall, a British television production company came to San Antonio and enlisted scientists at the Southwest Research Institute to try to resolve the mystery once and for all.

“They wanted us to do a forensic analysis of the Hindenburg to determine if we could narrow down the cause of the incident,” said Matthew Blais, the institute's director of fire and technology research.

The three-week effort by experts at the independent research and testing center was recorded, leading to a show on the Discovery Channel in December and another this week in England.

Grossman, who was the film's technical adviser and on-air commentator, provided expertise on the structure and engineering of the aircraft. But, he said, he left the pyrotechnics to the experts at Southwest Research Institute who work regularly with hydrogen.

“We were dealing with 200 cubic meters of the world's most flammable gas. They made sure we didn't blow ourselves up. Without them, we would have been a bunch of Keystone Kops playing with fire,” he said.

One of the big mysteries was how the fire went from the tail to the middle of the 800-foot-long airship in a matter of seconds, lending credence to various theories of foul play.

Working near Sabinal and using one-tenth scale models of the Hindenburg, the scientists performed a series of combustive experiments.

In comparing film footage of the original explosion with the model explosions, they were able to pinpoint the cause of the disaster.

“We proved beyond a reasonable doubt that it was a static electricity discharge that ignited leaking hydrogen that was mixed with oxygen in the vent shafts. It was a spark between the airframe and the skin of the aircraft,” Blais said.

He said scientists were able to account for the rapid movement of the combustion through vents inside the craft, and also to debunk the theory that the skin of the Hindenburg was highly flammable.

Grossman believes the long-lingering uncertainty about the Hindenburg's terrible end now is resolved.

“We tested the 1937 conclusions (about static electricity) using modern science and scale models. We proved that the flames were sucked into the belly of the ship through the vents,” he said.